Where to stay in Merida [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Many visitors to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula flock to the Riviera Maya towns of Cancun, Cozumel, Tulum and more.

For travelers to Mexico seeking a more cultural experience, Merida is the perfect option! Merida, the Yucatan State capital is a great base for exploring the nearby Mayan ruins and nature reserves.

The culture in Merida is a unique blend of Native, Mayan and Spanish influences. Merida also makes an excellent add-on to a Cancun vacation, as flights are just 50 minutes, or three hours by road.

To help plan your visit to Merida Mexico, we’ve got the best Merida neighborhoods to help you decide where to stay in Merida Mexico. You’ll find Merida hotels suitable for every budget.

We will cover off all types of Merida accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Merida hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Merida 2024.

This guide shows off the best Merida hotels, best places in Merida to visit, the best places to stay in Merida, hotels near Merida attractions, Merida neighborhood guide and many more.

Below are 16 of the best neighborhoods in Merida Mexico to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Merida for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.

We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Merida so you can use this as a go to guide.

Zocalo – Ideal for first timers

The central plaza of most Mexican cities is the Zocalo, it’s one of the best neighborhood to stay in Merida for first timers. In Merida, this is also sometimes called the Plaza Grande.

The central location, and ease of access to the best tourist sites makes this great place to stay in Merida. Most Merida accommodation is advertised based on distance from Zocalo or Centro.

If you like to take tours and day trips on your travels, this is also a good option as many tours will leave from this central meeting place.

The most central area of the city also tends to be the most touristy, so plan to pay higher prices for lodging and restaurants, as well as souvenirs. If you are only in Merida for a short time, the convenience is likely well worth the surcharge.

Best places to stay in Zocalo

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Zocalo:
Nomadas Hostel

Budget Hotels in Zocalo:
Hotel San Jose, Merida, Mexico
Hotel Reforma
Hotel Colon

Mid range Hotels in Zocalo:
Piedra de Agua Hotel Boutique
Gran Hotel de Merida
La Mision de Fray Diego
Caribe Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Zocalo:
Hotel Casa del Balam
Hotel Montejo
Del Gobernador
Hotel Colonial

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Zocalo:
Hotel Mansion Merida
Casona 61 Boutique Hotel by Koox Luxury Collection
Ya’ax Hotel Boutique
El Palacito Secreto

Self contained apartment/rentals in Zocalo:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3
Apartment 4
Apartment 5

Centro – Ideal for families

The downtown area surrounding the Zocalo is referred to as Centro. Most of the municipal buildings, museums, and large cathedrals are located in Centro.

The main street running through Centro is the Paseo de Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard named for Francisco de Montejo, the founder of Merida.

The Paseo was once lined with grand mansions, and still is, in some areas. Similar to Zocalo, anyone planning many day trips or tours will find this central location to be an excellent home base in Merida, and there are many Merida hotels in this area, from hostels to luxury.

Best places to stay in Centro

Budget Hotels in Centro:
Hotel Gran Centenario
Hotel Merida
Hotel Maria Jose
Las Escaleras Guest House

Mid range Hotels in Centro:
Gamma Merida El Castellano
Del Gobernador
Hotel Medio Mundo

Family Friendly Hotels in Centro:
Hotel Casa del Balam
La Mision de Fray Diego
Hotel Casa Lucia
Luz En Yucatan

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Centro:
Hotel Hacienda Merida
Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa
The Diplomat Boutique Hotel

Self contained apartment/rentals in Centro:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3
Apartment 4
Apartment 5

Santa Lucia – Ideal for an authentic experience

For a more residential experience, the neighborhood of Santa Lucia is a good option. This is actually the closest Merida district to the Zocalo. Merida Mexico has many offerings in this neighborhood.

In addition to excellent restaurants, you’ll have easy access to grocery stores and everyday shops.

Many expats call Santa Lucia home, so it’s an international flavor overlaid with Mexican culture. The hub of Santa Lucia is the church, and the adjacent park, where festivals and fairs take place.

Best places to stay in Santa Lucia

Budget Hotels in Santa Lucia:
Hotel San Jose, Merida, Mexico
Hotel Posada del Angel
Hotel Doralba Inn

Mid range Hotels in Santa Lucia:
Mansion Lavanda Boutique Hotel
Piedra de Agua Hotel Boutique
Caribe Hotel
La Pantera Negra

Family Friendly Hotels in Santa Lucia:
Hotel Maria del Carmen
Hotel Ambassador Merida
Hotel Plaza Mirador
Best Western Maya Yucatan

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Santa Lucia:
Fiesta Americana Merida
Casa Azul Hotel Monumento Historico
Hotel Boutique Real San Juan Center
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa

Self contained apartment/rentals in Santa Lucia:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3
Apartment 4

Santa Ana – Ideal on a budget

One of the more artistic districts of Centro Merida is Santa Ana. The church here was founded in 1500, and the area has had many iterations over the centuries.

The central park of Santa Ana is surrounded by many art galleries and museums, cafes and boutiques. Paseo de Montejo runs through Santa Ana, and is lined with commercial businesses and banks.

The popularity of Santa Ana with expats has earned it the nickname “Gringo Gulch.” Nevertheless, this Merida neighborhood is a fun blend of modern artists meet affluent expats meet Mexican culture.

Street markets and food stalls are still very popular, in addition to a few tourist shops popping up around the area.

Best places to stay in Santa Ana

Budget Hotels in Santa Ana:
Hotel Eclipse Meridda
Hotel Reforma
Casa Catrina&Diego
Hotel Embajadores

Mid range Hotels in Santa Ana:
Mansion Lavanda Boutique Hotel
La Mision de Fray Diego
Piedra de Agua Hotel Boutique
La Pantera Negra

Family Friendly Hotels in Santa Ana:
Del Gobernador
Hotel Montejo
Hotel Flamingo

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Santa Ana:
Casona 61 Boutique Hotel by Koox Luxury Collection
El Palacito Secreto
Casa Azul Hotel Monumento Historico
Hotel Boutique Real San Juan Center

Self contained apartment/rentals in Santa Ana:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Santiago – Ideal for couples

One area of Merida that is on the upswing is Santiago. What was once the meat-packing district of Merida is gaining popularity within the expat community, and local services are increasing.

Several 18th century churches still stand, while empty lots are converted to sports fields and parks.

The market along Calle 70 is very popular and folks come from all over Merida to dine at the many authentic restaurants here.

Be aware that early August brings a huge festival to Santiago; the neighborhood is known for fairs, but August is particularly rambunctious, and fireworks are a popular part of any Mexican celebration, so it won’t be the quietest neighborhood in Merida!

Best places to stay in Santiago

Budget Hotels in Santiago:
Hotel Maria Jose
Casa Akbal Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Embajadores

Mid range Hotels in Santiago:
Merida Serviced Apartments
Merida Santiago Hotel Boutique
Mayan Sun Bed and Breakfast
Koox Art 64 Boutique Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Santiago:
Hotel Ambassador Merida
Hotel Zamna
Hotel Residencial
Hotel Maria del Carmen

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Santiago:
The Diplomat Boutique Hotel
El Palacito Secreto
Ya’ax Hotel Boutique
Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel & Spa

Self contained apartment/rentals in Santiago:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3
Apartment 4
Apartment 5

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